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Handbag Maintenance
If you consider yourself high maintenance, maybe it’s time to share the attention with your handbag! As you make the final selection on that oh-so-perfect bag, don’t forget the importance of preservation, maintenance and care. Extending the shelf life of that quality investment is a top priority, so you can stay stylish and well-equipped no matter what season you’re in. Besides, your much-loved piece might be passed down to your daughters so they can enjoy some spoiling!
Fabric handbags can be cleaned with simple spot cleaning, using a gentle towel to scrub away marks and scuffs. You can test a small area with warm water and a mild soap, but think twice before tossing these in the washer or dryer; it’s likely that you’ll scratch them very quickly!
Your felt purses, bags, wallets, or accessories are all made from natural wool fibers and will shrink if they are overwashed. Instead of risking a major downsizing, just head to the dry cleaners where you’ll be in good hands.
If that leather lovely is looking slightly haggard, you can wipe it clean with a soft, damp, white cloth. Leather is a difficult surface to clean; even though it’s a tough material, it can stain easily and start collecting scuffs after just a few trips on the subway. You can restore its luster and sheen with a natural leather oil cleaner. If you need to restore some color from scratches or spots, you’ll find a variety of leather sprays at your local leather goods store. Avoid standard household cleaners and solvents as much as possible; you might end up with more blotches and spots that become permanent.
Regular cleaning of your prized possessions may be best suited for a professional. Almost all designer bags can be taken to the boutique store itself for an inspection and basic care tips. In addition, many designer stores can refresh and restore the bag for a minimal fee. From Gucci to Chloe, the team of professionals can guide you down the path to rejuvenating your valuable bag. For lighter fabrics and different styles, a local dry cleaning service can help you find the right chemicals and cleaning tools for restoration.
In the same way that you polish those pumps and prepare your show-stopping outfits, your handbag will need some undivided attention once in a while. From the fabric tote to the leather briefcase, each type of material asks for that special touch. Follow some key maintenance and preservation guidelines, and you’ll have a valuable, long lasting, as-good-as-new bag on your hands.
Article by Sabah Karimi from AssociatedContent.com
With a Flip of the Wrist - Wristlets
Bea Valdes Wristlets - These wristlets are truly pieces of art. These bags manifest their beauty in intricate and detailed beading with an array of beads and crystals. You can score your own Bea Valdes Wristlet at stores like Barneys and Saks Fifth Avenue. Expect to pay designer prices.
Want something similar? Check out the Mary Frances Tea Garden Wristlet available at a fraction of the price of the Bea Valdes bags - only $150!
Lovcat Mirror Reflection Wristlet - This wristlet is designed for anyone who wants a sexy, practical bag. The silver heart shape hardware and heart shaped zipper add a distinctly feminine element. This bag also features the signature Lovcat heart print lining. Get yours for $129.
Coach Signature Wristlet - Another must have for any fashion lover is the Coach Signature Wristlet. This mini bag is made from a bunch of fun and funky materials including Signature jean fabric and patent leather. The best part about this Coach bag is its price tag! Get yours today for only $58.
eenamaria Girlfriend’s Bestfriend Wristlet - This bag is absolutely gorgeous! It’s perfect for the beach or a night out dancing. It’s fun, down to earth and bold all at the same time! This bag will cost you only $19.
Article by Tori from AssociatedContent.com
Katherine Kwei’s Knotted Affair
(2 bag votes, average: 2.5 out of 5)
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Up and coming Chinese designer Katherine Kwei is all the buzz among fashion insiders. Her unique line of lamb and water-snake skin knotted handbags are not to be overlooked.
Kwei’s designs incorporate ancient Chinese tradition with the delicate weaving of pliable strips of lambskin and water-snake skin in the pattern of the Chinese “eternity” knot. Kwei’s high-end collection is unlike any other. Her sleek lines are unadorned with this year’s most spoken word in handbags: hardware. You won’t be finding any of that unnecessary frou-frou on Kwei’s bags — no brass, gold or silver beads or buckles; only the essentials: clean, beautiful lines.
Her collections for Autumn/Winter 08 are: the Donna, Alicia May, Edna, Isabel, and Teresa. I particularly like the bright reds used in the Alicia May Collection, especially in the Tote Hair Calf and the Mini Patent. 
The Mini Hair Calf clutch combines the bright red with cow print for a totally unique look.
For maximum knots, check out the Isabel collection. The Shopper showcases the Katherine Kwei’s distinct knot weave.
Author Alexa Pecore from AssociatedContent.com contributed to this article.
Authentic or Fake? Here’s How to Tell
(3 bag votes, average: 5 out of 5) Loading ...So what’s a smart shopper to do? You can be confident you’re making the best decision on that handbag purchase with a few shopping techniques; with just a little practice, you’ll learn how to separate the authentic and the fake!
Replica Alert #1:
Make sure the bag is not wrapped in any tissue or plastic. The top handbag designers will only do this for special bag orders, and you won’t find these online. If bags have extra materials or tags, it’s likely they are a replica. Leading designers who offer their bags at Macy’s or Saks online might wrap their items in tissue paper or light plastic; but, these stores will include a certificate of authenticity with the purchase.
Replica Alert #2:
Look closely at the logo designs. These are very difficult to imitate or copy completely, and many replica bags simply use a variation of the original design. This can involve a slight color change, inconsistent printing, or upside down letters. Whatever the case may be, make sure you learn as much as possible about the original before you end up buying a copy or lookalike.
Replica Alert #3:
No authenticity card? It’s likely this one’s a knockoff. Leading designer bags will all have some form of identification or authenticity card that shows where the bag was manufactured, and even might include a receipt of production. Be sure to check with the vendor or seller on where this is-or why it’s not included with your purchase.
Replica Alert #4:
No emblem tag means it’s a knockoff. Emblem tags can be attached to the corner of the bag, just inside the straps, or attached to a zipper. Depending on the style of the bag, the emblem tag may or may not be a focal point of the bag itself. Authentic bags will have an extra piece of leather attached somewhere, with the stamp of the brand imprinted on it. The emblem tag includes the ‘Creed,’ a code of letters and numbers. ANY spaces will mean the bag is a fake.
Replica Alert #5:
It’s the inside that counts. Authentic bags are usually lined with a satin fabric or plain cotton. These are a fine quality material that are rarely used in a fake bag, and may even have the company signature stamped over it. Any thicker cotton material or inconsistent lines on the inside are signs of a replica.
As you stake out your next bag purchase, keep a steady eye on the prize with the right skills and techniques. You need to shop smart for the authentic work of today’s top handbag designers, so you can show off that new bag in style and class!
Article by Sabah Karimi from AssociatedContent.com
History of Hermes
(2 bag votes, average: 5 out of 5) Loading ...Who would have thought that a conspicuous attempt would lead to the launch of a priceless luxury? When Grace Kelly attempted to hide her pregnancy with an oversized crocodile handbag, nobody would have guessed that the act would lead to the birth of a different star! 1965 marked the debut of the much coveted Kelly bag, as millions of women around the world reached out to proclaim their need for this show-stopping piece. Designed by legendary French luxury goods designer Hermes-Freres, the collections continue to inspire and attract handbag mavens the world over.
The Birkin made its debut in 1984, moments after actress Jane Birkin discarded her old straw tote and picked up the fabulous leather Hermes; the following for the Birkin bag has since reached into the thousands, making it the longest waiting list for any luxury accessory. The list stands at almost six years long–and counting. Now one of the most exclusive brands in the world, Hermes is recognized as a leading authority for all that is smart, chic, and sophisticated.
Besides the cult-like following, what makes Hermes so special? Considered to be the ultimate ’status bag,’ the Hermes Birkin is often at the top of every handbag-lover’s wishlist. Each bag is handmade with only the highest quality leather and sturdy, uniform stitching. The handbags also feature a secret blindstamp imprinted onto the strap; and of course, it’s wrapped up in authentic Hermes tissue paper in a classic, embossed Hermes box.
When it comes to iconic Hermes, from clutches to totes there’s no shortage of choices and exotic leather creations for every taste. The classic Birkin and Kelly bags will continue to be the epitome of luxury, while luxurious shoulder bags and pretty little accents are sure to reach the top ranks of your wishlist. Each season brings forth a fresh collection in the Hermes line, a time for handbag seekers around the globe to match up with the handbag of their dreams!
Article by Sabah Karimi from AssociatedContent.com
Kathy Van Zeeland
Enter Kathy Van Zeeland. I first learned about Kathy Van Zeeland bags back when Robinsons-May still existed. I was shopping for a new purse when I came across a camouflage cloth, cream leather and gold studded handbag that I absolutely fell in love with. My mom got it for my seventeenth birthday gift and I immediately poured all my supplies into the bag.
I still carry that bag to this very day, every day. Zeeland’s bags are durable and practical, yet eye-catchingly fashionable. I still get compliments on my bag. As far as being durable, when I get into my car I toss my bag into the back seat, yank it up when I get out and throw it on the counter when I get home. If my purse could talk, it would say it hates me! Regardless of how brutal I am to my purse, it still holds in tact. There aren’t any ripped seams or holes in my cloth print bag.
Kathy Van Zeeland handbags was founded in 2004 by Kathy Van Zeeland in an effort to create trendy, fashionable handbags for the fashionista at heart with a modest budget. Zeeland is the co-president of her company along with her husband, Bruce Makowsky. Since the creation of the company, they have gone on to create belts and sunglasses under the Kathy Van Zeeland name. With her signature handbag charm, it is easy to distinguish a Van Zeeland product.
The Kathy Van Zeeland lines are synonymous with the trends. Each collection features a component of current trends such as white handbags, oversized bags, metallics, animal prints and studded bags.
If you are looking for a fashionable, reliable and affordable bag, Kathy Van Zeeland should be the first and only brand you shop for. Her line is featured in over 1,300 stores nationwide including all major department stores, and you can find a huge selection at very good prices on eBags.com.
 Limelight Tote $99.00 |
 Apollo Belt Shopper $89.00 |
 Glove Story Hobo $89.00 |
 On The Rocks Satchel $44.99 |
Article by Krystine Sykes from AssociatedContent.com
The Difference Between Matching and Coordinating
For a stylish man, one hard-and-fast fashion rule-of-thumb is that the belt should always match the shoes. Things aren’t quite so simple for women however. A woman’s ensemble is based on coordinating, not matching.
So, what is the difference between matching and coordinating? Matching is just putting the same colors or colors very close in hue, together. Matching, if taken too far can be drab, monochrome and uncreative.
Coordinating on the other hand combines complementary colors and requires some skill and an eye for fashion. Coordinating can be the mixing of different eras, prints, fabrics, colors or styles — there’s lots to work with in coordinating, which also means there’s lots of room for fashion disasters. The goal when putting together an outfit is to show some of your personality to others, so here are some tips on how to draw the line between matching and coordinating, so that your outfit always says what you want it to say (about you).
Does Your Bag Have to Match Your Shoes?
Life would be very dull for me if my bag always matched my shoes. It often works out that way but I would never make a rule of it. A better strategy is to match your shoes to your stockings and then carry a handbag that matches one of the focal point colors in your outfit.
The main concern with handbags is that the size and style fit the style and occasion for the outfit. Make sure formal shoes are worn with a formal handbag and don’t match a casual material handbag (denim or straw) with shoes that are much too formal.
Does Your Bag Have To Match Your Outfit?
I’m a classic style girl, but I like to get a little crazy with my colors here and there: maybe a purple dress with a red handbag. And yes, those two colors actually go quite well together — in this particular case you can probably visualize that red shoes would look a bit stupid; taupe would probably be the way to go. You can almost never go wrong if you match your shoes to your stockings (as long as you’re wearing the right colored stockings).
Again, you don’t want to look like a novelty; you want to look well put together. Your handbag needs to fit with the color scheme of your outfit, but does not need to “match” in the restrictive sense of the word.
Matching is trying too hard; coordinating, if done right — is the way to go.
Article by Alexa Pecore from AssociatedContent.com
Commonly Mispronounced Designer Names
(3 bag votes, average: 5 out of 5) Loading ...Let’s face it - the fashion world is just slightly judgmental, so if people are going to judge you, then make the verdict positive. If you become well-versed in the pronunciation of popular designer names, including classics and newcomers, you won’t think twice when asking a sales clerk about a new Balenciaga dress or Louis Vuitton bag. In the spirit of education, here is a list of frequently-mispronounced designer names with helpful phonetic breakdowns, syllable by syllable.
Before we begin, it is worth noting a few characteristics about the languages from which these names derive. The entire reason that designer names can be tongue-twisters for English speakers is that most of them are not in English. Many famous designer names are Italian or French, and letters are pronounced differently in these two languages than they are in English. In both, the letter ‘e’ sounds like ‘ay,’ and the letter ‘i’ sounds like ‘ee.’ Moreover, in French the final consonant is often not pronounced at all. So while the ‘r’ is heard at the end of ‘Dior,’ the ‘x’ is silent at the end of ‘Lacroix.’ In Italian, vowels are much clearer than they are in most English words. Be sure to annunciate each vowel, which makes ‘Tagliapietra’ such a fun word to roll of the tongue. We won’t get into the grammar rules of all the Germanic and Asian languages; just remember that English pronunciations won’t apply to many designer names. Don’t be put off by these foreign words. Instead, have fun with the playful, bubbly sounds of these names, which are often as stylish as the clothes and handbags bearing them.
Article by Rose Rankin from AssociatedContent.com
Figure Fixers - How Your Handbag Can Make You Look Thinner
(4 bag votes, average: 5 out of 5) Loading ...For example, the best style of handbag for petite body types are certainly not the larger carryalls. These tend to overwhelm a smaller frame making it appear shorter than it is. Rather than sport a large bag if you are petite, try a cute clutch like the rattan and leather one by Cole Haan which can be used day or night. A smaller handbag like Gustto’s denim & leather pocketbook is another option. Smaller bags also look great in bold colors and patterns since they can add flair to your ensemble without drawing attention to your height.
For the bottom heavy gal, a shorter strapped bag works best by drawing attention up and away from the areas you would rather not accentuate, as opposed to a bag with longer straps that grazes the hip. You don’t want a bag that will draw attention down towards your hips and thighs, so keeping it higher up and throwing in a splash of color will keep the eyes off of your “problem area.” The Michael Kors Jet Set Small Box Satchel is the perfect example of a bag that would work beautifully with a pear shaped body type.
An apple shaped or top heavy body would be most complimented by a handbag that hangs lower down. You want the bag to accentuate your hips rather than your upper body as well as lengthen and whittle your waist. This can be done beautifully with a white Italian leather pouch bag by Charm and Luck, or a quirky and fun carryall with longer straps like the polka dotted cutie by Tocca. A small clutch also works well for this body type as it can be carried at waist or hip level, once again drawing away from your chest and helping your body look more proportionate. And with the latest trend being carrying your clutch as your everyday bag, this may be the easiest and best way to fix your figure.
While boy shaped or narrow body types can get away with pretty much any size and shape of bag, bright colors and geometric patterns work well to add some definition to an otherwise curveless shape. Hip skimming bags can add some oomph to small hips and a cute flirty handbag can define narrow shoulders when worn on the arm.
Adding the right handbag for your body type to your wardrobe is another simple and effective way to flatter your figure. With so many sizes and shapes of bags available, there is no excuse for carrying a bag that overwhelms your frame, highlights any problem areas, or makes you look disproportionate. After all, you wouldn’t want to wear jeans that didn’t make your bum look fantastic, right? So, why carry a bag that doesn’t fit you fabulously?
 Michael Kors |
 Charm & Luck |
 Cole Haan |
 Plenty By Tracy Reese |
Article by Morayma Makay from AssociatedContent.com
Mellow Yellow - Yellow Handbags
Yellow has to be one of the most ignored colors when it comes to handbags. Look around and you are bound to see purses of all shapes and sizes in every shade of black, brown, tan, cream, navy blue and even red - but yellow always seems to be missing in action.
Is it because yellow is a color most women are too afraid to incorporate into their wardrobes? Is it too bold? Too seasonal? Well, the good news is that yellow doesn’t have to be either too daring or too seasonal, and it most definitely should be a part of every gal’s purse collection.
Let’s not forget that yellow actually comes in a seemingly endless array of shades including (but not limited to) ochre, gold, lemon, sunflower, and the list goes on. There is bound to be a shade of this delicious and buttery color to fit everyone’s style and personality.
And yellow doesn’t have to be relegated to being used only in spring and summer. Sure, when the sun is out you want to carry a bag that looks just as warm and inviting as that glowing orb in the sky, but why not carry a yellow bag in the fall, too? A warmer shade of yellow, like ochre, looks fantastic with autumnal colors like browns, deep reds, and oranges. What about the winter, you ask? Well, you don’t have to let your yellow handbag hibernate during the long cold months. What’s better for lifting your spirits and reminding you of the summer’s sunshine than a delicious little lemon yellow tote? Maybe a trip to the Bahamas, but most of us don’t have that luxury!
Yellow handbags can be both fun and bold, but not so bold that they can only be carried on special occasions or with a limited amount of clothing styles. A gold toned clutch or a sunflower hobo looks great with everything from a little black dress to a simple T-shirt and jeans. You can find purses in these amazing shades in leather or canvas, rattan and even see through plastic. It doesn’t matter who you are, you can look great and make a brilliant fashion statement toting a bag that’s as cheery as a ray of sunlight.
And if an all yellow bag is just too daunting for those of us with a little more conservative taste, start slow. A bag with a subtle yellow pattern is a good way to begin. Try a little yellow. After all the color is associated with too many great things, not to give it a try! Buttered popcorn, sunshine, gold jewelry, yellow roses, banana daiquiris….need I say more?
Article by Morayma Makay from AssociatedContent.com
Can a Handbag Bring Happiness?
Can a handbag really bring happiness? My answer to that question would have to be a resounding “Yes!” While a hobo or clutch may not bring your quest for world peace to fruition or help you shed those last ten pounds, they can help you feel stylish, chic, and feminine….and what woman doesn’t want to feel fabulous?
With the right handbag, a merely cute outfit becomes hot and a few mismatched pieces can even be pulled together to look fashion forward and trendy. And when you know you look good, the chances of having your mood boosted are pretty darned good as well.
I mean, remember the last time you carried a bag that was tattered and ready to be retired? You probably felt a little awkward and embarrassed to set it up on the counter to reach for your wallet, right? With a hip bag you feel like you are in the fashion know, trendy, sophisticated, girly and definitely cool. You want to sling it back across your shoulders and feel confident in knowing that people are not only admiring your purse, but your sense of style as well. Admiration definitely can make a girl happy!
Carrying a great bag isn’t the only source of handbag happiness. Buying a great bag is half the fun. After a grueling week at work or an even more grueling week at home with the kids, what could feel better than a little retail therapy? Dropping the briefcase or diaper bag in exchange for a sexy little purse feels empowering. You know you deserve that treat and you are finally doing something about it. You are going out there and buying a bag that is more than functional. You want something that’ll make you smile when you look at it. You are going to let loose and purchase the sassy little red or purple clutch that you’ve been lusting after just for fun. That little bag will somehow make your trips to buy diapers or lattes for your board meeting a little more fun, a little more whimsical and, yes, a little more enjoyable.
Handbags can definitely bring you happiness. When you look good you feel good. It may sound frivolous and just a little vain, but it’s the truth. We all want to be like the Dalai Lama, sure, but unfortunately we aren’t so we might as well give in to admitting that a great outfit and great accessories make us feel good. Really good!
So the next time the weather is dismal, your newborn spit up on you for the tenth time in one day, or your boss made you feel like a drone, go out and get yourself a great little (or big!) purse. Get something fun, bright, and maybe a touch daring. It’ll put a smile on your face, trust me on this one!
Article by Morayma Makay from AssociatedContent.com
